“Aifreann Lá na gClubanna”​ in St Mary’s Parish, Navan

Three GAA clubs cater for all age-groups around St Mary’s parish, Navan​.​

While the parish predates the Clubs, both organisations see similar results when dedication combine with talent and training. A sense of belonging which is given to children in baptism and the sacraments is enhanced by the good rôle models whom they meet in their neighbourhood, at study and in recreation.

Fr Robert ​McCabe has a five point plan for the trainers, players, supporters and the “characters” who make up the local GAA clubs. They are based on the words of Dermot Earley – the Roscommon​ footballer who was ​the​ Battalion Commander on Fr McCabe’s first UN trip in Lebanon.

The five-point plan runs:

Enjoy time with my family

Give the best to my work

Give back to my community

Spend my leisure time well

Make time for God in my life

F​r Robert celebrated “Aifreann Lá na gClubanna”​ and the gathering of local clubs for at the Vigil Mass on 6 May 2017.

Music was provided by the Navan Silver Band and Our Lady of Victories Gospel choir who are participating in the Navan Choral Festival.

The event also tied in with the launch of the Fatima Novena which marks the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima.

​The ​GAA website ​describes the weekend gatherings for Lá na gClubanna around the country as “an opportunity for the GAA to highlight the important role of members, players, supporters and families in our Association and for the local community to have fun.” (http://www.gaa.ie/my-gaa/getting-involved/la-na-gclubanna)​